Mercyhurst Prep graduated football players were photographed before a Save An Eye City practice at Mercyhurst Prep's football practice field in Erie on July 19. Standing in the background, from left are: Dwayne Canady, D.J. Mahoney and Ben Tarcson. Seated in the foreground from left are: Darrin Donikowski, P.J. Wychech, Mike Weber and Joel Agresti. CHRISTOPHER MILLETTE/ERIE TIMES-NEWS

Seven Mercyhurst Prep players will take the field together in Laker helmets for the final time when they play for the City team Friday night in the 74th annual Erie Lions Club Save An Eye all-star football game.

All seven had a role in leading the Lakers to a 31-4 record since 2009, one of the top marks in District 10.

"We're going to miss them a great deal," Mercyhurst Prep and City coach Matt Morgan said. "They've had four tremendous years. They're going to be missed, but they've definitely left a good legacy for kids coming up."

Running back Dwayne Canady, receiver Ben Tarcson, lineman Mike Weber and cornerback D.J. Mahoney each was named first-team all- region in 2011. Weber, a Hiram recruit, was an all-state and all-district pick as well.

Tight end Josh Agresti and defensive end Darrin Donikowski made second-team all-region.

"It's almost kind of bittersweet to be playing with these guys one last time," said Tarcson, an Allegheny College recruit, "because I know most of them are going to college and playing ball, and I'll maybe see these guys again but probably not."

"They're my good friends; it's pretty much family between us," Mahoney said.

But the Save An Eye game is also an opportunity to play with some of the best football players Erie had to offer in 2011.

"It's a lot different because we're used to being the older guys on the team and we know the swing of things," said quarterback P.J. Wycech, the seventh of the Lakers' Save An Eye choices. "But when you get together with all-stars, you have the best of the best at every single position. It's crazy to play with a bunch of people that are at your skill set."

Morgan said that having several players he is familiar with on an all-star roster has helped him ease the transition for other City squad players.

"It's better for us because it's easier to teach our system," Morgan said. "We already have kids from Mercyhurst who know the system and can peer-teach and demonstrate what we want them to do."

Morgan's Lakers use the "Wing-T" offense, a particularly explosive attack that utilizes three running backs. Canady's role as a teacher to the other City running backs is an important one.

"I help them out with where to go, what to run, how to do it, where to block, and stuff like that, because I know the offense well," he said.

Agresti said playing on the City squad under Morgan and in the Lakers' offense has helped him feel much more at ease in practice.

"I can definitely be way more comfortable going in, just focus on getting ready for the game and I already know that I'm going to be prepared to play," Agresti said.

Donikowski said he can't believe how quickly time has passed since the Lakers were learning the Wing-T as freshmen.

"Now to see me come thus far, I never thought I'd be able to play in the Save An Eye game," he said. "But it's kind of bittersweet to know that I've made it this far, because also I'll miss high school football under the Friday night lights."

Wycech said he's anxious about playing for a school other than Mercyhurst.

"It's going to be hard to start over on a different football team," he said. "It's going to be weird at first."

Whether the City team leaves Veterans Stadium Friday with a win or a loss, Morgan would like to see all of his players enjoy their final chance to play.

"We want everyone to have a positive last experience," Morgan said. "Most of them grew up watching this game. And to be a part of it is a great honor."

The seven Mercyhurst players are looking to come away with a City win, though.

"I hope to win and represent the city well, as well as our school," Agresti said.

"It doesn't really matter what we do (individually), we just hope to win," Tarcson said.

DAN KUBACKI can be reached at 870-1791 or by e-mail.

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